BlackBerry to become RGB Berry

NEWS Research In Motion is expected to launch a colour version of its BlackBerry corporate email device by the autumn. At a wireless conference in California, RIM chairman Jim Balsillie told an audience of investors, analysts and reporters that a BlackBerry handheld with a colour screen will be available in a few months. The BlackBerry device and service allow subscribers to wirelessly access corporate data such as email. RIM demonstrated a BlackBerry with a colour screen earlier this year at the annual 3GSM World Congress conference in Cannes, France. At the time, the company said that the device was a prototype, and a representative stated in an email that it wasn't clear when or if the gadget would come to market. The company is coming out with a colour screen ahead of direct rivals Good Technology and wireless software developer Danger. However, Danger is working on a 'Hiptop' device with a colour screen that's expected to be available by the summer. And some of RIM's indirect competitors, such as Palm or Handspring, already have colour screens in their devices. Balsillie said: "We didn't want to do [a BlackBerry with a colour screen] until the battery system was there" to handle the display. He did not reveal the cost of the new device.